Giving hope to those affected
by secondary breast cancer
Research. Support. Education.
Giving hope to those affected
by secondary breast cancer
How does secondary breast cancer affect your life?
I do get exhausted, the tiredness suddenly hits me. I also struggle with aching feet if I do too much. The treatment of scans, denosumab injections, blood tests and appointments does sometimes take over and I feel like I am on a rollercoaster that never stops!
What advice would you give to someone newly diagnosed?
As I said last year do not Google straight away. Get advice from consultants, others going through the same and specialist websites.
Has your treatment line changed?
My actual treatment has stayed the same but in August I have had a strong dose of radiotherapy on my spine to help with pain management. This has made a huge difference.
How many changes to treatment have you had?
I am only on my second line of treatment and I only changed due to having a hysterectomy in August 2021 and having to change from Tamoxifen to Anastrozole.
How are you coping?
I feel like I cope well most of the time. My diagnosis does get me down though if I think about it too much. I do try and stay positive though.
Do the side effects affect your life daily? If yes, please explain
The side effects mainly affect my feet and ankles. If I am doing too much then my feet really ache and it’s hurts to stand on them. I try and rest before it gets too bad.
Have you found a routine that works for your everyday life? If yes, please explain
Yes I still work so I generally feel that I have a normal life. My family help out at home when needed. If I need to rest I do so I can carry on the next day.
Do you feel anything is missed when it comes to living with secondary breast cancer? Medically or Socially
No but I do feel there is not enough knowledge from people who do not have it as to exactly what it is and how it effects people.
Have you treated yourself to anything since your diagnosis? If yes, please explain
I have a living list of things I want to do, which I did not previously had. As a family we have made the effort to do things that are on the list such as days out, events and experiences!
Has it changed your perspective on life? If yes, please explain
Just to make sure you enjoy life and do as much as you possibly can.
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